Bishop's-cap
Mitella diphylla
Last reviewed: August 2026
Mitella diphylla is a low woodland forb that blooms in May and June, sending up wiry stalks of tiny white flowers above a basal rosette of heart shaped leaves in shaded, humus rich forest soils.
Toxicity unknown
Bishop's-cap (Mitella diphylla) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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Bishop's-cap is a delicate woodland perennial that forms small clumps of heart-shaped leaves close to the ground. In late spring, it sends up slender spikes of tiny white flowers that have a distinctive fringed appearance. This native ground cover works well in shaded areas where few other plants thrive.
Growing Bishop's-cap
Grow Bishop's-cap in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bishop's-cap takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very small and can appear sparse or weedy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Flowers are tiny and may look unkempt to traditional gardeners
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during May and June blooming period. As a native woodland plant, it provides habitat for small insects and contributes to local ecosystem health.
Common questions
- When does Mitella diphylla bloom?
- Mitella diphylla flowers in May and June, with slender stalks of small white blossoms rising above the basal leaves.
- What pollinates Mitella diphylla?
- Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the small white flowers of Mitella diphylla, according to the Xerces Society.
- What growing conditions does Mitella diphylla need?
- This plant does best in part shade to full shade with medium, evenly moist soil rich in organic matter, similar to a rich deciduous forest floor.
- What does Mitella diphylla look like when not in bloom?
- Outside of bloom it forms a low rosette of paired, heart shaped, slightly hairy leaves close to the ground, with the flower stalks dying back each year as a deciduous forb.
- Is Bishop's-cap HOA-friendly?
- Bishop's-cap takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Bishop's-cap? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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